Due to the high volume of daily commuters and active transportation users along NM 556 (Tramway Boulevard NE), the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has identified the need to conduct a traffic operations and safety study. The study area spans from milepost 7.0 to milepost 15.5, covering the segment between the intersections of Live Oak Road and Central Avenue in the City of Albuquerque, NM.

Tramway Boulevard NE is the easternmost north-south regional principal arterial serving Albuquerque, situated between the city and the base of the Sandia Mountains. It is a four-lane, limited-access, divided highway with a posted speed limit of 50 mph (see Figure 1). The corridor also provides connections to several key east-west principal and minor arterials, including Paseo del Norte, Montgomery Boulevard, Candelaria Road, Indian School Road, Lomas Boulevard, Menaul Boulevard, and Academy Road.

The purpose of this NMDOT study is to evaluate traffic signals, intersection flow, speed conditions, and existing intersection geometry along Tramway Blvd NE. The primary goal is to identify solutions that enhance safety and improve traffic operations. The findings will inform recommendations and help prioritize safety and operational improvements within the study area.

The initial study of the project corridor is complete. The team reviewed traffic volumes, pedestrian and bicycle activity, traffic flow, and safety concerns. Based on this information, five key areas for potential improvements were identified:

• Intersection layout
• Pedestrian safety
• Bicyclist safety
• Traffic signal upgrades
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and lighting

Each intersection along the corridor was evaluated in all five categories to understand how much it could benefit from improvements. The results were combined to identify which intersections show the greatest need and potential impact.

These rankings will help determine which intersections and sections of Tramway Blvd. should be prioritized for improvements as funding becomes available.

Tramway Boulevard was initially developed in the early 1970s as a two-lane roadway through joint efforts by the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. At that time, the corridor was not part of the state highway system. In response to a corridor plan adopted in the late 1970s, the roadway underwent significant upgrades in the early 1980s. It was expanded into a four-lane, limited-access, divided highway to accommodate growing traffic demands.

By the 1990s, the improved section of Tramway Boulevard was formally incorporated into the New Mexico state highway system and designated as State Road 556 (NM 556).

Now, with much of the corridor’s infrastructure nearing 30 years in age, there is a clear need to evaluate its condition and strategically plan for future maintenance and upgrades to ensure continued safety, efficiency, and alignment with regional transportation goals.

Please submit any comments by May 8th. The meeting materials and a recording of the presentation will be available in the coming days.

MAIL:  4041 Jefferson Plaza NE, Ste 210, Albuquerque, NM 87109
EMAIL: TramwaySafetyStudy@parametrix.com
PHONE:  (505) 998-5576